Mojtaba Khamenei Missing From Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Funeral Procession

Tehran: Iran is holding a week-long funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Thousands gathered at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran on Sunday to pray and say goodbye. But someone important was missing. His son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is supposed to be his successor, didn't show up. Three of his brothers were there. State media released photos of them standing by the coffin. But Mojtaba was nowhere.

Where is Mojtaba?

He hasn't been seen in public since February 28 when the US and Israel struck Iran. That attack killed Ali Khamenei. According to reports, Mojtaba was badly injured in those strikes and he is getting treated somewhere. Iranian officials said that he's alive. But they haven't released any photos or videos. That's making people wonder what really happened. Mojtaba is 56 years old and going to take over from his father. Now he's missing his own father's funeral.

What did Trump Say?

Iranian officials said Mojtaba will skip the entire six-day funeral procession. He won't be there for any of it. Trump said he wasn't sure if Mojtaba was dead or alive after the February strikes. Then he changed his story. He said Mojtaba was alive "in some form." That was a strange way to describe someone. Trump also said he hoped to meet Mojtaba in the future. But Iranian officials shut that down immediately.

Who was at the funeral?

Everyone who matters in Iran showed up. President Masoud Pezeshkian also came. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf was there. IRGC chief General Ahmad Vahidi and Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani were presented as well. Iran's entire top leadership came to pay respects except Mojtaba.

How many people showed up?

Sunday was declared a public holiday across Iran. People came from everywhere to say goodbye to Khamenei. They filled the mosque and the streets outside. The numbers shocked observers. Many called for revenge. They want punishment for whoever killed Khamenei. A man named Miremadi, 38 years old, told reporters: "The killers must face punishment. If our leaders start negotiations, our people won't accept it." People are angry. They want action, not peace talks.

Was Trump surprised?

Trump said he was "shocked" by the crowds. He thought Iranians hated Khamenei. "I was shocked," Trump spoke to the media. "I thought people hated him." The turnout at the funeral proved him wrong. Millions showed up to mourn. Whatever Iranians thought of Khamenei as a leader, they came out for their Supreme Leader's funeral.